13 teams from financial technology firms (FinTechs) from across the Pacific and the ASEAN region were brought to Malaysia in May this year to compete in the first Pacific – ASEAN Financial Innovation Challenge.

The bootcamp was an intensive three-day hands on workshop with financial services experts from PFIP and its financial service provider partner organizations. During the three days, the participants were introduced to the Pacific financial services market and the many challenges faced in reaching the unbanked.

While the majority of teams shortlisted were from Malaysia and Singapore, five teams from the Pacific made it into the finals. Two teams were from Australia, one team from New Zealand, one from Papua New Guinea and one from Fiji.